We absolutely love to eat in New Orleans, and we take our seafood and crawfish seriously. Based on the input of local moms, these are the best crawfish in New Orleans. If you are looking for Lenten Fish Fries in New Orleans, please refer to this list of New Orleans Lenten Fish Fries. If you are looking for a list of where to order Easter catering, we have that covered, too. Our best recommendations for brunch in New Orleans are here, and the best kid-friendly restaurants in New Orleans appear here. Bon appetit!
The Best Places for Crawfish in the New Orleans Area
Mardi Gras is upon us. Soon enough, we will be in the thick of crawfish season! With so many great options in the New Orleans area, there is bound to be a crawfish style for everyone. As a Metairie resident, I tend to stick to my favorites in my area, but I asked my friends in other neighborhoods for their top recommendations. I’m sure this list is far from complete, but the options below are a great start!
Kenner
Big EZ Seafood: My absolute favorite! Honestly, they deserve their own post. I’m all about the Viet-Cajun flavoring. Choose from 3 seasoning blends: traditional Cajun, citrus, or the Big EZ blend, which is a combination of traditional and citrus. You can also customize your boil by spice level. Since I like a little heat, I ordered spicy on my first visit, but, they are pretty heavy-handed over there. Since then, I’ve stuck to the Big EZ Blend in mild. They also offer plenty of other seafood options aside from crawfish that are all delish.
Smitty’s Seafood: This is my family’s go-to. I like a good bit of spice but don’t like them so spicy that my lips burn. Smitty’s has figured out the right mix. The dining area is on the smaller side, so we prefer to place our order ahead of time over the phone. They make the pick-up so easy, and the crawfish are always hot and ready.
Metairie
Dennis’ Seafood: In business over 45 years, Dennis’ is solid and reliable. I tend to head over there when I need live crawfish. They also do catering for boils as well as barbecues. Fun fact: The owner has the sweetest pet nutria that is more like a dog really. You might even run into Neuty on your visit.
Captain Sid’s: A Bucktown favorite to take and enjoy at home, but be prepared for a long line, especially during Lenten Fridays.
Deanie’s: You can dine in or carry out, but I also love that there is an option for delivery. Just make sure to call a day in advance if you need delivery.
The Galley: Their claim to fame is their softshell crab, but they have good crawfish. Their prices are typically higher than other places, but it’s worth it if you want to enjoy the best side of mac and cheese.
Schaefer’s Seafood: I’ve not personally had their crawfish, but if their crawfish are half as good as their tamales, I’m down to give them a shot!
Harahan
Teche Valley Boil Bus: Formerly parked on Veterans and David Dr., this year, the Boil Bus has relocated to Hickory Dr. in Harahan. Stop in for curbside crawfish to go! Follow Boilbus on Insta for the most up-to-date information.
Seither’s Seafood: Probably best known for crawfish, but you’re missing out if you don’t get half a dozen raw oysters to go along with it!
Kelley’s Village Inn: Years ago we would come here often. Then, they abruptly closed. Well, as of this past fall, Village Inn has reopened. And they have crawfish. And, as of this post, their prices beat out all the others. Can’t wait to head back!
New Orleans
Bevi Seafood Co.: The Mid City restaurant is now closed, but if you need crawfish catered, this is the way to do it.
Clesi’s: Whenever I drive past this place, their outdoor seating looks packed. There’s a reason for that. I’m so hung up on their crawfish, so that’s all I’ve ever gotten, but lots of people talk about their boiled shrimp also. Bonus: They take reservations!
Bayou Beer Garden: I just love the atmosphere here! For crawfish stop in around 3 Tuesday-Friday and 1 on Saturdays and Sundays. This is a great spot for crawfish and a few drinks with friends.
West Bank
Perino’s Boiling Pot: Come here for a laid-back environment with big tables and family-style accommodations for large parties.
Salvo’s: Best bang for your buck, as they frequently have all-you-can-eat specials. For instance, as I’m writing this post, the special is $40 all-you-can-eat crawfish and shrimp with 6 boiled sides. What’s not to love?
Northshore
Full disclosure: I never get to the Northshore, but the following places come highly recommended from my Northshore friends.
Drive Thru Crawfish: Exactly what it sounds like. Get your crawfish without leaving your vehicle. Just be sure to check the hours before you go since they are a seasonal pop-up.
Slidell
Pearl’s Seafood Market and Restaurant
Slidell Seafood: I haven’t been here, but the reviews are great and frequently mention the reasonable prices.
St. Bernard
Today’s Ketch Seafood and Restaurant: Our family has a camp in Hopedale, and we frequent Today’s Ketch on our way down. We love the crawfish, but they also have great options for fish plates and po-boys.
Casanova’s Seafood: I’ve never had their boiled crawfish, but we pick up live ones sometimes to boil at the camp. The employees are always very friendly and helpful.
Want to boil your own?
Check out the Cajun Ninja (if you’re not following him on social, you need to be). I always found the idea of boiling my own crawfish daunting, but the Cajun Ninja breaks it all down. I was fortunate to snag one of his always sold-out cookbooks, which includes this recipe, but if you don’t have the book, you can find it here (full recipe in the comments section below the video).
There’s an app for that!
The Crawfish App is free and updated daily. You can search by area or vendor to find the best deal on boiled or live crawfish.
If you are looking for Lenten Fish Fries in New Orleans, please refer to this list of New Orleans Lenten Fish Fries.
I have not yet made it to all of these places, but I can’t wait to try them! Where is your go-to for the perfect boiled crawfish? I’m sure I missed some places, so let me know what I need to add to the list!
I absolutely loved this post! I’ve been looking for the best crawfish spots in New Orleans, and your recommendations are spot on. Can’t wait to try out the places you mentioned, especially the one by the river. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! Happy eating, and let us know your faves and if you come across any I missed!
For family friendly boil spots: Port Orleans Brewery featuring crawfish by Gulf Coast Crawfish.
I loved reading this post! New Orleans has such a vibrant food scene, and crawfish is a must-try. I can’t wait to visit a few of these spots you recommended. Do you have a favorite dish or recipe that we should try when we get there?